QUOTE
Norway: Sustainability & Innovation Exploration
Sage Hill School | Sara Graham
"How can Norway's environmental practices and policies inspire sustainable futures globally?"
This immersive 9-day journey to Norway, designed for Sage Hill School’s Spring at Sage program, introduces students to Norway’s leading environmental practices and commitment to sustainability. Aligned with Sage Hill’s Global Pillars of Education, this program emphasizes experiential learning across civic engagement, leadership, and environmental stewardship. Students will explore Oslo’s green urban initiatives, Bergen’s conservation efforts, and Indigenous Sami knowledge on sustainable land use, fostering insights into Norway’s approach to global challenges. This trip provides a hands-on understanding of sustainability, preparing students to bring meaningful practices back to their own communities.
Activities & Attractions
- City Tour of Oslo: Walking exploration of Oslo’s iconic sustainable urban spaces, including the Opera House and Akershus Fortress, with insights into eco-friendly architecture and city planning.
- Oslo City Hall Visit: Guided visit focusing on civic engagement and Norway’s environmental policies.
- Vigeland Sculpture Park: Tour of Oslo’s largest park, discussing the role of green spaces in community health.
- Workshop with Environmental NGO: Hands-on session with a local organization to learn about Norway’s waste management and circular economy model.
- Electric Ferry Tour on Oslofjord: Cruise on an electric-powered ferry to understand marine conservation and emissions reduction efforts.
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research Presentation: Lecture on marine sustainability, focusing on climate impact on coastal ecosystems.
- Train to Bergen: Scenic journey to Bergen, known for its UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, with discussions on sustainable tourism.
- Global Seed Vault Presentation: Virtual seminar from Svalbard’s Seed Vault on biodiversity conservation.
- University of Bergen Climate Workshop: Interactive session on Norwegian climate policy and innovations in energy.
- Structured Exploration Time in Bergen: Guided free time in Bergen’s city center to observe local culture.
- Sami Community Visit: Cultural immersion with Norway’s Indigenous Sami people, learning about eco-friendly reindeer herding and Indigenous environmental practices.
- Guided Hike in Jotunheimen National Park: Conservation-focused hike led by park rangers, discussing ecosystem preservation.
- Service Project in Jotunheimen: Participation in habitat restoration or trail maintenance, emphasizing environmental stewardship.
- Reflection Workshops: Group discussions throughout the trip to encourage personal connections to environmental practices and how to apply them locally.
Trip Details
Accommodations
- Oslo: 4 nights in a 4-star, brand-name hotel with individual beds for students and single rooms for staff
- Bergen: 3 nights in a 4-star, centrally located hotel, meeting Sage Hill’s comfort and safety standards
- Oslo Airport Area: 1 night in a 4-star airport hotel with individual beds for students and single rooms for staff, ensuring easy access for morning departure
Meals
- Daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners included
- Local and authentic tasty meals, sufficient to fill teenage appetites
Transportation
- Return Economy Airfare from LAX to Oslo
- Private airport bus transfers in Oslo
- Train transportation from Oslo to Bergen and Bergen to Oslo
- Private coach bus for excursions to Drøbak, Sami Community, and Jotunheimen National Park
- Private coach bus for local transportation within Oslo and Bergen
Additional Personnel
- 1 Evolve Tours Director
Exclusives
- Creative trip programming and leadership activities
- Optional Videography and Photography
- Forever Green by Evolve Tours- Carbon Offset this whole trip (ask for details)
Insurance
INCLUDED: Travel Insurance student for medical, baggage, cancellation and trip interruption with CFAR coverage
Coverage HERE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PpjLGynaWuwqDy9l2ABsYvOCtmHFfM-q/view?usp=sharing
Package Price is based on
- Prices subject to availability and change until contract signed
- Total Package price may vary if number of paying customers changes
- Does not include airline baggage fees if applicable
- Tips for drivers and guides are appreciated
- This quote expires Dec 2024
- Happy with what you see? Sign a 2-year contract with Evolve and pay the same rate for two years. Ask us for more information. *Based on same group size
Itinerary
Day 1:
Departure from Los Angeles
Evening: Group check-in at Los Angeles International Airport. Overnight flight to Oslo.
Day 2:
Arrival in Oslo and Orientation
10:00 AM: Arrival in Oslo, private bus transfer to the hotel.
11:30 AM: Check-in and orientation at the hotel.
1:00 PM: Lunch and overview of the itinerary’s sustainability focus.
2:30 PM: Guided walking tour of Oslo’s eco-architecture, including the Opera House and Akershus Fortress.
6:00 PM: Welcome dinner with a speaker from Oslo’s Green City initiative, discussing Norway’s zero-emission goals.
8:00 PM: Reflection session at the hotel.
Day 3:
Oslo’s Sustainability Initiatives
10:00 AM: Tour of Oslo City Hall, focusing on civic engagement and environmental policies.
11:30 AM: Vigeland Sculpture Park tour to discuss urban green spaces.
1:00 PM: Lunch near the park.
2:30 PM: Workshop with an Oslo-based environmental NGO on waste management and the circular economy.
5:00 PM: Return to the hotel.
7:00 PM: Group discussion and debrief on the day’s learnings.
Day 4:
Marine Sustainability and Fjord Ecology
9:00 AM: Train to Drøbak.
10:30 AM: Electric ferry tour on Oslofjord, with a focus on marine sustainability and emissions reduction.
12:30 PM: Lunch in Drøbak.
2:00 PM: Presentation at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research on the impacts of climate change on Norway’s coastal ecosystems.
4:30 PM: Return to Oslo by train.
7:00 PM: Cultural performance in Oslo, connecting environmental themes with local culture
Day 5:
Scenic Journey to Bergen and Sustainable Tourism
8:30 AM: Check out and depart by train from Oslo to Bergen, with commentary on Norway’s environmental policies during the journey.
2:00 PM: Arrive in Bergen and check in at hotel.
3:30 PM: Walking tour of Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO site. Discussion on preserving cultural heritage sustainably.
6:30 PM: Group dinner and reflection at the hotel.
Day 6:
Biodiversity & Innovation in Conservation
10:00 AM: Virtual presentation on the Global Seed Vault, focusing on biodiversity and Norway’s approach to conservation.
12:00 PM: Lunch in Bergen.
1:30 PM: Climate and energy policy workshop at the University of Bergen.
3:30 PM: Structured exploration time in Bergen city center with guided prompts.
6:30 PM: Dinner at an eco-friendly restaurant, with a group discussion on sustainable food practices.
Day 7:
Indigenous Knowledge & Environmental Justice
8:00 AM: Depart by coach to a Sami village.
11:00 AM: Arrive at the Sami community and participate in eco-friendly reindeer herding, learning about sustainable Indigenous practices.
1:00 PM: Traditional Sami lunch and storytelling with community leaders, discussing sustainable land use and environmental justice.
3:00 PM: Engage in traditional Sami crafts and activities focused on ecological preservation.
6:00 PM: Return to Bergen by coach for the night.
8:30 PM: Dinner and reflection at the Bergen hotel.
Day 8:
Jotunheimen National Park & Conservation Efforts
7:30 AM: Breakfast at Bergen hotel.
8:30 AM: Depart by coach to Jotunheimen National Park.
11:30 AM: Guided conservation hike, focusing on biodiversity and ecosystem preservation.
1:00 PM: Picnic lunch in the park.
2:00 PM: Participate in a habitat restoration service project, reinforcing civic responsibility.
5:00 PM: Dinner and final reflection circle at a nearby restaurant or in Jotunheimen, sharing insights and personal commitments to sustainability.
6:30 PM: Depart by coach for Oslo, heading directly to an airport hotel near Gardermoen Airport.
9:30 PM: Arrive at Oslo Airport hotel, check-in, and rest before the morning departure.
Day 9:
Return to Oslo & Closing Reflections
Morning: Private transfer to Oslo Airport for the return flight to Los Angeles.
